Puccini's Wild West opera premiered at the Met in December 1910 with Arturo Toscanini conducting Emmy Destinn, Enrico Caruso, and Pasquale Amato. The California gold rush was the dramatic backdrop for a story in which Minnie, the only woman in a mining camp, gambles on her one chance of happiness. Jonathan Miller's 1991 production starred Plácido Domingo as Dick Johnson/Ramerrez and Mara Zampieri as Minnie.

"Domingo is in great form vocally and committed dramatically. While both his arias, 'Or son sei mesi' and 'Sh'ella mi creda,' are highlights, the intensity of his work is consistent throughout…. Maazel makes the most of Puccini's beautiful orchestral colors and details, and the Scala orchestra responds to his every wish…. The music-making is first-rate."—Opera News